People sometimes sneer at those who run every day, claiming they will go to any length to live longer. But I don't think that's the reason most people run. Most runners run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to live life to the fullest.





-Haruki Murakami

"What I Talk About When I Talk About�  Running"





Around this same time last year I was telling one of my close friends I just didn't feel like myself. My spirit was flat and I felt disconnected from my most authentic self. My very wise friend said, "The reason you feel this way is because you haven't been running." Initially I wasn't sure if my friend was right but as soon as I started running again, my spirit soared and I once again felt connected to my true self.

During the hour or so I run each morning, I am able to put life into perspective. As I look out at the water and experience the vastness of the universe, all the daily stressors that can sometimes weigh me down seem to dissipate with each stride I take. My world opens up and my spirit is revived. There is nothing that brings me more joy than running.





I think there is a certain rawness that is exposed while running. Life is stripped down to the bare minimum. There are no outside distractions, except maybe at times my iPod, to prevent me from confronting any truths that are eagerly trying to get my attention. During many runs I have had epiphanies about my life. A crystal clarity comes flooding through because I am an open vessel for answers.

Life can often seem overwhelming if we aren't careful. Our thoughts can race out of control causing us to feel anxious, depressed, and fearful. Our life may get so busy we lose sight of who we are and where we are going. We may feel pulled in so many directions we just don't know which way to turn. When this happens, it's imperative to find something, whether it be long walks through the woods, a regular yoga practice, or daily meditation sessions, to help ground us and bring peace to our lives. When we quiet our minds, all of a sudden we hear our own voice guiding us with each step or stride we take.

For myself, I will continue to glide along and allow life to unfold with each step I take.

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